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For the next three days Kajjex stuck to a new schedule, starting with showing up at the club in the mornings, helping everyone clean up the previous night's mess, then a few hours of practicing with Myrreah and Flitt. He quickly found he had something to offer them based on his research, in terms of exercises meant to keep their stamina up and their limbs from aching after long performances. In those three days he became a little more comfortable, a little more confident on the stage, though he remained on the fence concerning whether he'd perform for the club. Nevertheless, it was apparent that the feeling was mutual, that his presence in the club (both day and night) was a welcome addition to its current employees.

When he wasn't at the club he was sneaking along the mid levels of the city, trying to keep an eye on his flat. While he had yet to see any Peacekeepers keeping tabs of the location, he wasn't foolish enough to return, at least not until he had things set up back at his new place of residence - and as there was little he needed, he wasn't in any hurry. By wearing a surgical mask and pretending that he was suffering from a cold, he was able to keep his face hidden while using what little money he had left to buy food and new clothes. He had deemed the latter necessary as he would need to look his best if he was going in for a krewe interview, but on the morning of the interview Preek arrived early and insisted he wear the coat he'd gotten for him.

"It's not that I don't appreciate the look," Kajjex told him as he followed Preek over the bridge leading to Desider Atum. "But in the name of professionalism I thought it would be better if I had a more classic ensemble on-hand."

"If you were looking to apply to a traditional krewe, I would agree with you," Preek replied. "Telumarx krewe isn't traditional. You need to look like you're a mercenary or an adventurer, y'know?"

"I'm neither!"

"It doesn't matter! It's like what mesmers and illusionists do, it's all about appearances. We're trying to sell the idea that you're an asskicker who knows what he's talking about. You think they're going to hire a Synergetics graduate to theorize about their weaponry?" He grinned as they ascended the stairs into the outpost.

The outpost itself was, on the surface, not even a fraction of Rata Sum's magnificence, and perhaps only a quarter the size of Soren Draa's research center. What it lacked in its size, however, it made up for in its activity and color. Merchants of multiple races lined the sides, from frog-like hylek advertising their slimes and poisons, to a few Sylvari offering fresh produce. The sounds of crafting and smells of cooking permeated the air and melded with the ambiance of the surrounding jungle, providing a striking difference from the stale environment of Rata Sum. It was, if nothing else, a refreshing and pleasant change to Kajjex.

"Nobody is going to ask you to decapitate a branded minotaur or anything," Preek continued. "We're trying to sell the idea that you know what you're talking about, without resorting to demonstrations. Just present yourself as the expert you are. I'll be here for support."

"I-I thought you were..." Kajjex started to say, before thinking better of it.

"Nope, this one's gotta be on you, I'm afraid," Preek told him. "Can't hold your hand all the time. He's going to hire you, so you have to be the one he trusts, and he's only going to get that if you make yourself marketable and show him you're the right asura for the job."

"Fair enough," he agreed, taking in a sharp breath and straightening up. "Alright, I think I can do this. Where are we going?"

"The upper level," Preek said, leading him up a flight of stairs to a shaded stone deck. "We're looking for-- ah, good morning Master Bronk!"

Kajjex looked up and had started to raise his hand in greeting, only to pull up short upon laying his eyes on Preek's contact. He was an aged genius with a worn and scarred gray face and dull orange eyes, stroking a long goatee. On one hip was a holstered heavy energy pistol, and from his belt hung a smithing hammer that Kajjex had a strange feeling was not being used strictly for smithing. His attire was not unlike those of other professors in the College of Statics, save for a dark gray cloak with a silver clasp around his shoulders, and a heavy-looking cane upon which both his hands rested. Easily the most striking thing about him, however, was his expression; for while Kajjex would have described Torkk's usual expression as continuously bitter, Bronk could have been best described as bearing a grumpy look.

He bore this expression as he approached the pair, his eyes lingering on Kajjex for a few seconds before turning and nodding to Preek. "I see you did me the courtesy of arriving on time. For a minute I was worried the club life you chose would cause you to run late."

"Not when it involves someone as respected and short-on-time as yourself, Professor," Preek replied genially, giving Kajjex a firm push against the center of his back. "This is the one I wanted you to meet."

Kajjex stumbled forward. "Er... good morning, Professor," he said awkwardly, offering his hand to the older asura. "My name is Kajjex."

Master Bronk glanced down at his hand, offering not even the slightest hint that he was going to take it before walking away and gesturing the pair to follow. "College?"

"Ah... I, um..." Kajjex lowered his hand, his ears drooping slightly as he followed. "I graduated from the College of Statics, studying biology, asuran physiology, and history. My focus is on the analysis of asuran fighting conventions."

"I see," Bronk muttered, showing no trace of interest. "What other krewes have you worked with?"

"I... have yet to sign on with other krewes," Kajjex admitted, wincing. "None that I've applied to have expressed any need for my area of expertise."

"No krewe experience," Bronk repeated, stopping and gazing out into the jungle. For a moment, Kajjex felt like he was back in Torkk's office, seconds away from getting a lecture or a barrage of verbal abuse. "Then I have nobody to contact who can vouch for your abilities nor area of expertise."

"Well... Ulta Metamagicals allowed me to intern with them, and their krewe leader saw me in a fight, so--"

"They research waypoints and gates," Bronk interrupted smoothly. "Impressive though that may be, that does not give them perspective on how best to judge one's combat capabilities." He turned his critical gaze to Kajjex and the younger asura swallowed. "I suppose you'll have had some kind of formal training, at least?"

"Er... no, sir," Kajjex replied, feeling hollow. "I spent a few days with Peacemakers but I'm largely self-taught. B-but I've made what I believe are considerable strides in developing treatises for multiple weapon techniques for asura based on my--"

"Any fighting experience?" Bronk interjected, turning to him with a severe gaze.

The sudden cut-off threw Kajjex off balance. "I-- that is to say... I've been in only a couple of _real_fights, one of them against a Risen human--"

"I haven't asked you to regale me with a flight of fancy," Bronk cut him off. "You're not even carrying a weapon with you despite the fact that we're in the middle of a jungle, where half the fauna here would kill us just as soon as look at us. What is your weapon of choice?"

"But--" Kajjex looked to Preek, who seemed untroubled by how poorly the interview seemed to be going. On the contrary, he was smiling broadly and leaning lazily against a pillar with his hands in his pockets. "I mean, I can use a longsword fairly well, but I also know how to handle other weapons."

"Strip."

The word was like getting a warhammer to the side of the head, leaving Kajjex stunned for several seconds as his brain tried to restart and then process the command. "What."

"You say you can handle a longsword," Bronk said curtly. "Strip. I need to see your build."

Once again, Kajjex found himself looking helplessly to Preek for some form of guidance, but the older asura was clearly having too much fun watching, snorting quietly behind his hand. If it had been anyone else Kajjex was sure he would have stormed out of the meeting just on the belief that he was being made a mockery of; but after all the time and effort Preek had put in on his behalf, he was still willing to trust him. After a few moments to recollect his nerve he took his coat off and set it on one of the workbenches, then removed his shirt and tossed it on top.

He sighed, folding his arms. "Is this good?"

Now there was a subtle change in Bronk's expression, a slight rise in his brow as he looked over Kajjex carefully. For the next minute he circled the younger asura, leaning in close but making no contact, peering at his form and musculature as if he were a butcher inspecting a slab of meat. "Raise your arm." Kajjex complied and Bronk's gaze followed the movement, nodding. "Now turn your palm upward." His arm twisted and Bronk seemed to focus on his upper arm and forearm. "Hold your arm straight up, then rotate it back and around until your hand is pointing forward, slowly." Kajjex raised an eyebrow, starting to see what he was getting at, and followed the direction, until his arm was sticking straight out in front of him. Bronk stepped back, still looking critical, but nodding.

"I see. Effective, efficient structure. You at least understand your training focuses for the upper body. Your abdominal area is in good shape, as is your chest - not enough, but there's potential. The arm strength looks sufficient. Your range of motion is adequate, but it will need improvement." He straightened up, looking directly into Kajjex's eyes. "Now, the rest."

"The rest?" Kajjex repeated, his ears drooping further - there was enough of a population nearby who would notice a lone asura who was nearly nude.

"Longsword effectiveness is dependent on footwork and leg positioning," Bronk told him curtly. "I need to know that you haven't been skipping leg day."

Kajjex looked back to Preek again, but he merely shrugged. "You might as well. If you can't handle being seen in your skivvies, you might want to end up avoiding the stage. Just an opinion, but you've got nothing to be humiliated about."

Kajjex had to hold back a groan as he started to comply. It was all well and good that Preek wasn't showing any concern, as it likely meant he was anticipating something like this; but it far from was the kind of analysis Kajjex imagined undergoing for a krewe interview. Soon enough Kajjex had kicked his trousers aside, standing in nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs, privately thankful he hadn't chosen something more colorful (or form-fitting). Almost immediately a few asura in the nearby market stalls whistled and laughed, but while his ears burned hot he waited for Bronk's assessment. Seemingly satisfied with the removal, Bronk returned to looking over the younger asura, never laying a finger on him, continuing to issue demands.

"Lift your right leg. Hmm... now your left. Good. Bend at the knee a bit, flex the gluteus maximus and adductor magnus." Kajjex crouched around halfway, holding the position until Bronk nodded and gestured him to stand.

"So, what do you think?" Preek asked, still leaning against the pillar. "Pretty good, huh?"

"He has a better build than most asura, even those who make it their careers to wield weapons," Bronk said, raising his head and resting his hands on his cane once more like a prestigious genius waiting for the students to file into class. "I'll not deny that, at least. What concerns me is his lack of experience. My krewe develops dangerous weaponry, I don't want such implements being handled without care. If he lacks the discipline of a Peacekeeper or a Vigil soldier, he may end up being a liability."

Kajjex's ears flared anxiously. "Professor, I've spent enough time--"

"You lack practical combat experience," Bronk cut him off firmly."Even if I were to believe your tales, it's clear that you're as green as a sylvari. You may have an asuran fighter's physique, but you lack the necessary mindset." He moved in closer, looking Kajjex dead in the eyes. "I can tell that I intimidate you. Even if you've looked death in the eye, I don't believe for a moment you have what it takes to be prepared to take a life, should it ever be necessary. Are you prepared for something like that?"

"I--" Kajjex hesitated, alarmed by the question, before grimacing. For the Risen, it had been easy to rationalize that it was already undead; for the human and bangaa visitors, he hadn't tried to land a lethal blow, hoping injuring them would be enough. "I'm not interesting in killing people--"

"You've potential, and a keen-enough mind for what you seek. But if you're not ready to fight, then I cannot hire you." Bronk looked him over once more, shook his head, and then turned to walk away. "Find a guild or a peacekeeping organization to get some experience, then come back in a year. Perhaps you'll be ready by then."

"But... you didn't even ask me any practical questions to gauge my skill!" Kajjex objected.

"And when, in the middle of any fight, would you have the time or focus to answer questions about dispatching a foe or employing the proper defensive technique?" Bronk countered, briefly looking over his shoulder. "Combat is chaotic, imprecise, impulsive. To discern the subtle patterns and flow of combat, you need months if not years of practical experience, or an inherent instinct for it. I've yet to meet an asura who had any natural aptitude for combat, and while your training focuses have merit and deserve recognition, you clearly lack that aptitude." He held the gaze a few moments more, then turned away again. "You'll forgive my curtness during this meeting. I underestimated the kind of candidate Preek would bring to me. Your potential is there, untapped. Thank you for your time, but I must return to my work."

Kajjex's shoulders slumped and his ears drooped against the sides of his head as he watched Bronk amble away. The interview had gone better than most, he supposed, but even with Preek's help it had ended in much the same way as every other, with the same hollow feeling of hopelessness carved in his stomach. He sighed and shook his head, turning to gather his clothes.

"Where do you think you're going?" Preek asked. "Giving up so soon?"

Kajjex looked up with a frown, his hand inches away from his coat. "It's over," he said. "I don't disagree with him, and I can't change his mind. Look, I appreciate what you did -tried to do with this meeting, but--"

"Who said this interview was over?" Preek interjected. "You gotta sell yourself harder, kid! Krewes are built on mutual input, you gotta put yourself in and let him know who he's dealing with! This is your life that you're fighting to get control of - don't give up before you've even had a chance to struggle."

For a few moments Kajjex wavered, feeling on the precipice of defeat like so many times in the past. But this time it was different - he didn't feel the need to start walking back home and flopping into bed, letting the depression and despair get to him. The last two weeks with Preek and the club had been such a vast change in a short period of time, a roller-coaster of emotion and adrenaline that had seen him take significant injury and put him in trouble with the local law. Even now, he still felt the underlying buzz of anxiety just below his skin, coursing through his nerves - a sensation that had nothing to do with fear from his current situation.

... So what am I afraid of?

His hand clenched into a fist, resolve starting to build in him. He looked around quickly, spotting dull, clearly unfinished long blade on a nearby workbench, which he quickly grabbed before running towards Bronk, leaving his clothes behind.

"Hold on a minute!" Kajjex called out, stopping as the elder asura turned to him. "We're not finished yet!"

"Oh? I believe I am," Bronk started to say.

"But_I'm_ not!" Kajjex cut him off firmly - though his heart was starting to beat faster, he was certain that if he faltered and lost the momentum now he'd never get it back. "I'll grant you that I don't have the experience you need, and you only have my word that I'm as capable as I've said. So if you're not going to press me with questions to ascertain whether I'm good enough for your krewe, then at least give me a practical test to judge for yourself. Give me a golem, a target, a training dummy. Hell, give me an actual _weapon_and tell me what you want me to do with it," he challenged, holding up the unfinished blade.

"You're not ready," Bronk sighed.

"With all due respect, Professor, you should know better than to hold to a claim without first testing it," Kajjex countered. They were words he had always wanted to say to Torkk, but now it seemed the best opportunity to use them. "I'd hate to think that you judge your blades as acceptable for manufacturing without proper appraisal."

He was close enough to Bronk that he spotted the brief flash of light in his eyes and the fractional movement of his brow, the only two hints that gave away what the elder asura might have been thinking. After a few tense moments Bronk snorted and gave him a curt nod, then looked over his shoulder to a pair of asura crafters working on a display rack nearby.

"Millo. Poola. Get the training golem ready. Load the anti-skritt algorithm."

The pair perked up and nodded, dropping their work and scurrying into a nearby building. Soon after, the sound of an energy capacitor humming to life could be heard.

"Here's your test," Bronk told him. "Put your clothes back on and grab a finished weapon. You can use anything you find in my workshop to defend yourself with. If you can last three minutes with my golem, I'll hire you - and if you can destroy it in less than that, I'll also design a personal weapon for you myself, free of charge. But be warned," he added darkly, "not even my best testers have been able to dismantle it."

"I'll do it," Kajjex said, squaring his shoulders.

"We'll see," Bronk replied, backing away. "Because it won't hold back. Anti-skritt mode was not designed to kill, but accidents can happen."

Kajjex glanced back at Preek, the older asura grinning and giving him a pair of thumbs up. Though it wasn't exactly encouraging, Kajjex recognized it as a chance to prove to someone else that he had something of value to offer. Knowing he did not have long before the golem was warmed up he dashed back to his clothes and started redressing. He had only just slipped his shoes back on when the heavy, thudding footsteps of a large golem drew his attention.

It was at least as tall as the sturdiest of charr, towering over Kajjex with a glowing, kinetic club attached to the end of one arm, while the other housed a projectile weapon he couldn't identify. The frame was pock-marked with dents and bulletholes, but much of it was reinforced in areas where the plating had started to warp. Though not big enough to be a piloted battle golem, it was easily the most robust of combat golems Kajjex had ever seen in asuran territory, the stone beneath their feet thumping each time it took a step. It stopped just a few meters away from him, raising its weapons.

"ANTI-SKRITT - MODE - ENGAGED. NEW - TARGET - PARAMETERS - APPLIED. EXECUTING - PRIMARY - OBJECTIVE."

The sight was imposing enough that for a few seconds Kajjex felt like a cornered rabbit, unable to move as the golem bore down on him, raising its club high above its head. At that moment he realized the precarious situation he was in and dove out of the way with a yelp, the golem bringing down its club and smashing the workbench to pieces. By the time he got back to his feet the golem had yanked its club out of the debris, the sound of its destructive blow having alerted the rest of the outpost.

"Oh for crying out lo-- again, Professor?!" one of the merchants hollered from the trading area, as his customers covered their heads and scampered away. "We're trying to conduct business here!"

"Nah, forget that, let's go watch his golem punt skritt around again!" another said, putting up a "on a lunch break" sign on his stall; several others followed suit and got to the upper levels of Desider Atum, peering over the railing to look upon the scene below.

"Oh, no skritt?" a hylek merchant pointed out. "Who's the poor fool Bronk decided to sic his golem on today? Maybe I can sell him a healing elixir at a higher price if he was that stupid."

There was no time to resent the sudden audience he'd picked up, leaping over a low sweep from a club and trying to spot a suitable means of self-defense, turning to one of the remaining intact workbenches. A shield caught his eye and he snatched it up, raising it just in time to deflect a heavy blow from the club that caused him to stagger. Before he could get his footing back the golem swung again, and he raised the shield once more. This time his knees gave out and he fell to his back, spared from being smashed as the tip of the club caught the surface of the workbench. Several tools and weapons went scattering about, falling form the table, but it was the clatter of a hand-axe by his shoulder that drew his attention.

"That poor imbecile," one of the asura sighed. "He must have upset Professor Bronk something awful for him to get the anti-skritt treatment."

Had it been any other situation Kajjex was sure he would have snapped back at them, but the golem quickly reminded him of his perilous position by swiping at him again. With a roll to the side he avoided the swing, grabbing the weapon and dodging out of the way as the golem shattered another workbench. He stepped back, quickly analyzing his foe - at a cursory glance it was indeed enormous for a golem, yet the reinforced plating seemed to make it a bit slower than a standard combat golem of its size. He hefted the axe, testing the weight for a brief moment. The weight was well-balanced and sufficiently heavy with a wide chopping surface.

"I can work with this," Kajjex muttered, raising the shield and getting into position, backing away from the golem and ready to spring away the moment it attacked again. "Get it together, it's just an oversized tinker-toy. Don't need a toolkit to dismantle it."

"Tick-tock, the chronometer is running!" Professor Bronk barked. "I won't pay you to pose with a weapon and look pretty! Two and a half minutes left!"

Fuming at the barbs Kajjex did his best to stow away his anger, taking careful steps into the golem's reach. The first swing failed to connect as Kajjex ducked below its swipe; the second landed solidly against his shield, the asura's legs flexing as he held his ground and leaned into the blow. Though the heavy sound rang through his ears it put him right within his own reach, his axe cutting through the air and several inches into the golem's right limb. He moved to yank it out only from the weapon to be caught on a bit of the metal he'd carved away, and before he could remove it the golem's left arm took aim, its cannon arm glowing. With a gasp he released the axe and leapt into the air, his toes feeling a slight heat as the golem fired a shot of hot energy right where he'd been standing a fraction of a second earlier.

He landed on the other side of the cannon-arm, but he was ready for the backswing, catching the blow with this shield and angling it up so it rolled up and over him, giving him the opening he needed. Before it had a chance to move or counter he'd launched himself at its damaged club-arm again, shield held in front of him as he crashed into the closest approximation to an elbow the golem possessed. With its arms spread out in either direction the golem found itself tipped over slightly, forcing it to take time to rebalance itself - more than enough time for Kajjex to grab the axe handle again, yanking it back and slamming his shield against the golem's wrist to wrench the weapon away. It swung again but with a roll and a slash he'd avoided the hit and damaged its leg with a single, clean movement.

By now Kajjex had displaced the fear he'd initially felt with pure adrenaline. Even as it began to thrash wildly and batter at his defenses, the thrill of combat was getting to him, his ears flared up in excitement and a small smile lifting his cheeks as he blocked, chopped, dodged, and countered. Within a minute the construct had gained a handful of dents and punctures along its frame, its movement had been hampered, and the audience opinion was changing.

"Whoa... this one looks like he can fight," one voice muttered.

"He's nimble like a skritt, but he leaps around like a hylek," another noted.

"He can fight and dodge, but can he take a hit?" someone asked.

He worked hard to avoid finding out. The shield took the brunt of his attacks, but he'd yet to take a direct one. Though his studies showed asura were remarkably resilient for their size, and despite being no stranger to pain, he was keen on avoiding bruises while he was being tested. The threat was ever-present, however, as the golem started to speed up its assault in response to his resistance. "VERMIN - STILL - PRESENT. INCREASING - OUTPUT - BY - SEVENTY - PERCENT."

He cursed at the announcement, swiftly calculating that half of the testing period had elapsed since starting, and wondering if this had triggered as a part of its design to eliminate skritt expediently. It gave him no window to attack however, as the surge in its strength and speed forced him to use the shield as a barricade, grunting as his knees buckled from the intense blows. The sound of its cannon charging forced him to move, leaping to the side to avoid the shot, but the golem followed him easily, catching the shield as he raised it and nearly wrenching it off his arm. It swung again and his desperate attempt to rebuild his defense was shattered along with half the shield itself, the remaining shards flying out of his hand and across the forge area. With nothing left to deflect its attacks the golem charged its cannon once again, and with only his footwork left to defend himself he leapt into the air and towards the golem.

He realized his mistake too late, catching movement from the corner of his eye. The best he could do was raise his arms up to block his face from the incoming club, gasping as it slammed into his gut and sent him flying to the opposite side of the forge area, hitting the wall and landing atop another workbench, knocking its contents to the floor. A collective, sympathetic groan roared from the crowd that had formed, followed by Bronk's voice.

"Forty-five seconds left, you know," he chuffed as Kajjex rolled off the table. "Care to tap out early?"

If he hadn't been completely winded he would have shot the old man a glare, but the golem wasn't about to wait. His ability to breathe had been hampered, but he knew there was a way to get it going again. That he'd been launched from one side of platform to the other gave him some distance, and damage he'd done to its leg gave him a few seconds to work, sitting up and jabbing his fingers just beneath his sternum with a hard blow. His eyes widened as he realized his mistake, his lungs seizing up.

Nope! Wrong pressure point!

Now completely unable to breathe he nearly panicked, trying to remember whether it was the right or left side he needed to manipulate. The pain made it hard to focus, but the approaching threat of the golem was spurring him to keep struggling. Deciding he'd have to bank on luck for once, he aimed his fingers just to the right of his sternum and jabbed them hard into his chest. He was rewarded with a sudden gasp of relief and desperation, his upper muscles relaxing from the pressure-point strike and his lungs filling quickly.

Got it! Now move!

He clung to the workbench and got to his feet just as it crossed the remaining distance and brandished its club, but with a groan and a yell of exertion he sprinted forward and ducked, sliding across the ground and swinging his axe into its other, undamaged leg. The weapon sank into its lower limb with a satisfying, metallic crunch as it left Kajjex's hand, and the golem nearly toppled over.

He rolled back up to his feet, still hurting but determined to end the fight, searching for a weapon. His eyes fell on a nearby warhammer, untouched and undamaged though he was sure it had been on one of the ruined workbenches only minutes earlier, and it seemed to be the only other finished weapon in the forge. While he would have been picky enough to choose anything else, it was all he had. He scooped the weapon up and threw it over his shoulder as he rushed in to finish. The golem had turned just enough to fire at him, narrowly missing his head, and by the time it had faced him and reared back to swing he was already winding up a blow, the launching their swings at the same time.

Kajjex hit his mark first, diverting halfway and stepping in close, his hammer landing dead center on the golem's damaged arm. The club landed next to him, the arm having twisted awkwardly to one side and its wrist hanging on it by a thread of its metal frame. Kajjex turned and landed his next blow on its cannon arm, forcing its barrel skyward as it fired harmlessly into the air. With a roar of exertion and rage he landed his third hit, an upward swing that slammed the dome head of the construct and knocked it over, its legs no longer able to keep it balanced.

"Not done yet!" he growled, leaping onto the fallen golem. With only one arm capable of righting its massive bulk, and no legs to be righted upon, the golem could do nothing as Kajjex raised his borrowed hammer and brought it down on its central crystal. The frame whined and groaned, the housing unit for the crystal loosening from the blow. He raised it again and struck, the crystal fracturing with an audible crack. Despite his muscles screaming in protest from the exertion he was putting himself through, he gripped the hammer tight and brought it around one final time, the crystal shattering completely, its shards flying in every direction as the golem shuddered and went still.

For a few seconds there was silence, save for Kajjex's labored breathing and the sound of a heavy thud as he tossed the hammer away, looking down at his work. Before too long he turned to Professor Bronk, the elder asura bearing a look of mild interest.

"Time?" Kajjex asked. Bronk peered up at him, his expression unreadable.

Then he smiled, replying in a clear voice that carried across the forgeworks.

"Two minutes, fifty-six seconds."

A few cheers and applause erupted above them, the crowd startling Kajjex and reminding him they were still watching. With the endorphins easing out of his system he hopped down to the ground with a sigh, dusting himself off and wincing as his stomach muscles ached. Still, he managed a grin at the old man. "So what was that you were saying about your best testers not being able to take down your rat-trap?"

Bronk scoffed, smirking. "My best testers are not dedicated fighters. I've been looking for someone who has made a career of it, or has practical battlefield experience with close-quarters weapons. My krewe can swing a weapon well enough to test for proper balance, but they don't know how to _wield_a weapon."

"So what do you think of my buddy here, then?" Preek asked, sauntering to Kajjex and thumping him on his back. A surge of pain lanced up his spine, but bit back the groan that came with it. "Premium fighter, this guy could probably fight dragon champions and come out on top!"

"Let's not get carried away," Bronk advised, looking over the damaged golem. "You've proven you can handle a weapon and fight a golem effectively. I'll buy that you could have defeated a Risen, and I'll look into this scrap you had with Ulta Metamagical as well. But a few details need to be discussed first."

Kajjex glanced to Preek, who shrugged. "Alright?"

"As far as if you've a earned a spot on my krewe, you don't have to worry - you're in. I could use someone with your talents and studies working for us, and I may have some teachings to impart to you as well."

A wave of relief washed over the young asura, a sigh escaping him as he reached out with a hand. "Oh, thank you, Professor! I promise, I won't let you down."

Bronk took his hand and shook - but held tight for a few moments. "I doubt you won't, though I'm not finished yet."

Kajjex wavered for a moment, but nodded. "Okay, I'm listening."

"I would like for you to carry my prototypes, and I will have you test them in live combat situations," Bronk said gravely, releasing his hand. "Make no mistake, this means you _will_need to get used to taking lives. I will not send you to murder or assassinate anyone, of course, but there are plenty of dangers in Metrica Province and Brisband that most asura are not ready to handle."

"What kind of dangers are we talking about?" Kajjex asked.

"Human bandits stirring up dangerous wildlife, the Nightmare Court dabbling in torture and harassment - and of course the Inquest." Bronk scoffed. "Murdering idiots, the lot of them. I don't expect you'll have any compunctions against putting some steel one them, would you?"

Kajjex hesitated, but shook his head. "If I could avoid it, I would - but life doesn't always give you that chance. If it comes down to ending a life in order to save others, I'll give it my best."

"That's all I ask," Bronk said, nodding. "Understand that it's as much for your safety as it is for others. Mercy is not a weakness, but it can be an enemy's opportunity. Still, from what I've seen you should be capable of putting down an opponent without a killing blow." He glanced to his shattered golem. "Well... provided you can pull your punches a bit."

"Ah... yeah," Kajjex chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry about that."

"Nevermind that," Bronk shrugged, turning away and gesturing them to follow. "Come on into the labs and I'll introduce you to the rest of the Telumarx krewe. Get to know them, you'll be coming here at least once a week."

"Of course." Kajjex began to follow, looking back at the golem. "Er... are you _sure_you're fine with the golem being smashed, though? I don't want to set the krewe back just because I went a little too far."

"You_did_ wreck a pretty nice combat golem in your rage," Preek agreed. "Might been a little overkill, going to town like that while it was down.

Now Bronk let out a genuine laugh, shaking his head. "Lad, it'll be easy enough to get that golem fixed up. If anything I'm happy that you demonstrated an example of the value of superior firepower. It's my number one rule to fighting an enemy."

Kajjex and Preek traded curious looks. "What rule is that?" Preek asked.

Bronk grinned at them. "When it comes to besting the enemy, there's no such thing as overkill."

It didn't take long for Kajjex to become acquainted with the krewe, as many of them had been among the watchers. Millo and Poola, a pair of female asura, were the krewe's main weaponsmith and armorsmight, respectively; Kreb and Powla sold their goods in the market, Plek worked on armor repair and reinforcement, and Wapp provided more civilian goods for miners and loggers. They were all equally impressed with the newest krewemate having bested Bronk's anti-skritt golem, and for once Kajjex knew what it was like to be among minds that wouldn't scoff at or mock his theories.

Surprisingly, it was Bronk who put his mind at ease most. It became clear that while he ran a tight ship in the forgeworks, he was not cruel or unnecessarily abrasive. His wit was as sharp as a dagger blade, and his eye for details was just as keen despite his advanced age; yet there was more of a stern grandfatherly vibe in how he addressed his krewemates, never pushing them harder than they needed. They spent the whole day going over the forgeworks and introducing the weapons Kajjex would be using, and by the time night had fallen and he and Preek had returned to Rata Sum, he could barely wait for his first day in the krewe.

Upon returning to the city it didn't take long for him to start wondering if it was even worth wearing the face-mask, as he couldn't imagine the law noticing him in a crowd; though the moment he nearly bumped into a golem he reconsidered taking it off, feeling it was too much to hope for that the constructs didn't have facial recognition software. Still, he and Preek made it to the run-down sector where Kajjex's old flat was, and it took only a few minutes to determine that no Peacemakers were in the area.

"They probably don't bother coming down to this level anyway. I'm seeing major signs of neglect." Preek muttered, peering at some of the cracked apartment stonework. Nearby, a few small rats were scurrying behind an upturned wastebin. "You'd have to be desperate to live here willingly."

"It was cheap and I didn't have much money," Kajjex replied, leading him towards his apartment. "It's also out of Torkk's sight and mind, so I could get my research done in peace. The landlords here might not do much to fix anything here, but at least it means there's no construction golems making a racket through these thin walls. Not like the thick ones in your sector."

"So, how much are we going to need to carry?" Preek asked as they reached the door. "I can haul a fair bit, but we might need to rent a moving golem."

"I just need to reactivate VAL-A and gather a few things, he should be able to handle it. I'll shoot the landlord a note and tell him to toss out or keep what's left." He turned to key in the code, stopping short as his eyes fell on the green-lit panel.

The apartment was already unlocked.

"That's... odd."

"What is?" Preek asked.

"I'm certain I locked up before I left, the last time I was here," he said, his brow furrowing. "And if I hadn't, VAL-A would have done it after I left." He looked to Preek, a twinge of worry building in him as he activated the door. The interior was dark even for an asura's eyes. "VAL-A, can you get the lights?"

No response.

"... VAL-A?"

He waited several seconds, a sick feeling in his stomach as he reached into the door and felt around for the manual switch, triggering it. The moment the lights turned on his eyes widened, a gasp escaping him.

The interior was completely ruined, with the few pieces of furniture and cushions thrown upended as if thrown. Several of the thicker cushions had been cut open, their cotton stuffing strewn across the floor. The desk Kajjex used was shattered and on its side, its drawers torn from the frame and its contents littered next to it; the books fared no better, with entire pages ripped out and covers bent in half. Clothes from the closet were piled nearby, their pockets turned out. Off on the farther corner, the training dummy he used was broken in half and torn off its base. A feeling of numbness overtook him, stunned in total disbelief at the scene. It wasn't until he looked in the middle of the chaos that he reacted with a cry of anguish.

"VAL-A!!!"

The little service golem was completely destroyed, its side frame dented and punctured in several places, its central chassis completely caved in and its magnetic joints completely severed. The focusing crystal in its center was intact, but its base was hanging off the torso. As Kajjex ran to it and leapt over an upturned table he spotted several scorch marks along the back, as well as a few explosion impressions. As he knelt beside the damaged construct he tried to open its chassis, panic overtaking him as he struggled to pry the pieces apart.

"No no no no, c'mon VAL-A!" he cried out, digging his fingers into the gaps of its chassis. "I need you, buddy!"

Preek appeared on the other side, wincing at the sight as he dug into his satchel and pulled out a slim pry bar. "Here, use this." He looked over the golem, tracing his fingers along the scorch marks as Kajjex jammed the took between the gaps. "Metal thermochromism, there's some raw mineral shards embedded in the frame - somebody with elementalist abilities attacked him."

"Please, let his command crystal be intact," Kajjex muttered, hoping it was in the plans of the Eternal Alchemy that his long-time companion be salvageable. The chassis creaked for a few seconds as he levered the pieces apart, until the frame popped and the metal panels split apart, revealing his torso cavity. No power flowed through the reflective matrices or the central command crystal, though the housing for the core seemed undamaged.

"If he was powered on and got hit with electricity, it could have shorted out the system or corrupted the command crystal," Preek noted. "But I can't see any electrical damage here."

Kajjex held his breath, his hand touching on the core housing for a moment before he flipped it open. The golden-yellow gem within was glowing brightly, where it would normally have been dimly lit, and the slot's shock-resistant pads were intact. A sigh escaped his lips and with it came a sense of relief.

"He's alright," he said, putting a hand on its domed head. "The shielding is intact, so the core either wasn't channeling power to the command crystal when it was attacked, or it soaked up any possible electrical surges." He looked it over, searching for damaged power pathways and noticing a dislodged wire near the head. "But the connection to his auditory sensors is damaged. It's why he didn't turn on." He slid it back in place and secured it. "VAL-A?"

The golem hummed to life, its central diode gleaming. Within, the core glowed brighter, channeling magic through its pathways, and a crackle filtered through its speakers. "Good - evening - master." There was a brief pause. "I - appear - to - have - suffered - catastrophic - damage. Running - a - diagnostic."

"Hold off on that," Kajjex said softly, closing the chassis. "I'm just glad you're okay. Well... maybe 'okay' isn't the right word to use, but at least the important parts are undamaged."

"What - happened - to - me?" the golem asked.

"Someone broke into the apartment and attacked you while I was away," Kajjex told him, feeling awful about having left the golem alone for three days. "I am so sorry, VAL-A, I-I should have come back earlier, this never would have happened."

"Negative. Damage - assessment - complete. Likelihood - of - you - sustaining - injury - in - surprise - attack: sixty-six - percent. High - probability - of - assailant - injuring - or - murdering - you. I - am - glad - you - are - safe."

"Did you see who did it?" Kajjex asked. "Were you active when it happened?"

"Negative. This - unit's - last - recorded - position - was - on - the - charging - station. I - detected - no - energy - surge - while - in - hibernation."

"Damn shame he couldn't have seen it," Preek muttered, putting his hand on Kajjex's shoulder. "At least your golem can be repaired. We can bring Raxio in to help us gather the debris, but as for the rest of this..."

They both looked over the ruined apartment, and after a few moments Kajjex shook his head. "It's fine. There wasn't much here I was going to bring back to the new apartment besides a few bits of clothing, and VAL-A. But right now, he's my biggest priority." He managed to smile down at the golem. "We'll get you fixed up, buddy, I promise."

"Your - assurances - are - appreciated," it replied. "May - I - suggest - you - only - take - my - power - core - and - command - crystal? It - will - make - traveling - easier - and - you - will - not - need - to - salvage - damaged - parts."

"It'll leave him without a squawk-box, but it's not a bad idea," Preek said, nodding. "We can get him set up at the new apartment, there's enough space."

"Alright," Kajjex sighed. "Better than leaving him here in case the vandal decides to bust in here again. I promise to get you fixed up soon, so for now you should power down."

"Powering - down. See - you - soon - Master." The diode glow dimmed into nothing.

"Poor little guy," Preek muttered, as the pair started working to remove his core and command crystal. "I know most golems don't feel anything, but that doesn't make them punching bags."

"Which troubles me," Kajjex admitted, looking around the room briefly before pulling the power core free. "I'd understand the place being ransacked if they were looking for something, but what? I have_nothing_ here. Even the few notes I have aren't much, and not to be self-deprecating but I can't imagine anyone would even really care about them. And if VAL-A wasn't even a risk to them being found out, why would they bust him up so badly?"

"You don't think Torkk would have anything to do with this, would you?"

"It's possible, but I don't think so, no. He already has everything he wants from the Inquest. You heard him back in the office, it's better for me to think I know nothing." He shook his head and handed the power core to him. "This must be something else."

Preek pulled the command crystal free from the golem's hollowed out shell, the placed it and the core into his satchel. "Alright, one safe golem in the bag. Is there anything else here we should take with us? We probably shouldn't stay long."

Kajjex gave it a few seconds thought. "No... I think it might be a better idea to leave things here."

"You sure? You'll need to report this to the landlord, at least, and talk to the Peacemakers."

"Ha, no thank you, not while they might still be looking for me," Kajjex replied, shaking his head. "As long as I keep my face covered while I'm in Rata Sum, I'll be alright. There's nothing here that I really need besides VAL-A." He managed a smile. "I'll consider it a fresh new start. I'll have gold to buy back the few things I might need with this new job. As for the landlord, I'll just send him a letter, make him think I'm penning it from the Black Citadel while on vacation, so he can lease it again. My deposit should cover the damages."

"Heh... and here I was, expecting you to ask me what to do," Preek chuckled. "I'm glad you're in decent enough spirits to handle this situation, instead of feeling defeated."

"Having to rebuild VAL-A is a setback, but..." He paused, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, I'm fine. I think I'd be in a worse situation if you weren't here, but... that's not new. And honestly, I'm starting to regret it."

"This is what friends do, Kajjex," Preek told him firmly, giving his shoulder a squeeze. "They don't ask to help, they don't ask for repayment, and a little thanks is all they need. Now c'mon, let's round up what you need and head home - _your_home."

It only took a few minutes for Kajjex to grab a bag and select a small number of items to take with; a few bits of choice clothing, his toolkit for repairing VAL-A, a worn datapad, some notebooks and tomes he'd kept (including the old tome he'd found while part of the excavation team), and proof of his credentials. Once he was done they turned off the lights and hurried out of the sector, making a beeline for his new apartment. The moment the door was closed behind them he dropped the bag and fell face-first into one of the sitting cushions.

"Ughhh, it's about time," he groaned.

"Low spirits?" Preek guessed?

"Not even," Kajjex answered, rolling onto his back. "I'm exhausted, but I'm calm. VAL-A being deprived of a body is only a minor setback, I had some plans to improve on my old design as it is. I'm more excited about working for Telumarx krewe tomorrow. Couldn't have done it without you."

"It was my pleasure to help," Preek replied with a smile, placing VAL-A's core and data crystal on the table. "Bronk was my professor in the College of Dynamics, he's the one who suggested I take a trip to confirm my findings. Don't let him intimidate you, he's a big softy inside, and he can teach you a lot if you're willing to listen." He plopped into a cushion beside him. "So, what are your plans for tonight? Wanna relax back at the club?"

"Part of me says yes, but the other part is reminding me that Myrreah and Flytt are off tonight," Kajjex mused, looking up at him. "Are you needed there?"

"Not tonight, no - it'll be a quiet night, Mykks will be able to handle it. I'm open to talk and hang out here if you need company." He gave him a grin. "I like spending time with you."

"Well," Kajjex said slowly, feeling warmth in his cheeks, "if that's the case, then I wouldn't mind expressing my thanks again. In a more physical way, that is." He shifted a little, his heart beating a little faster.

The older asura arched an eyebrow, leaning over to stare down at him. "Oh? And where might this newfound confidence and suggestion be coming from?" he asked playfully.

"Preek, in the last two weeks, I nearly got my ass kicked by a trapped Risen, a trio of dimension-crossing thugs, and a skritt-punting battle golem. I have new friends and a new job that values my talents and research, thanks to your help. I broke my dad's nose, and I walked away from an old life and ransacked apartment." He gave him a genuine smile as he got to his feet.

"So you're feeling good enough to keep the ball rolling?" Preek guessed.

"Yeah, I want to keep the momentum going! I'm tired_of being afraid or worried!" he said, taking his boots and coat off before taking a seat and facing Preek. "I thought things couldn't get worse for me, and they _did, but you showed me I don't have to lose hope over the things happening to my career. I still have those doubts and worries, but those aren't going to go away if I stay in bed and put a pillow over me."

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Preek nodded.

"So... let me hit you with a hypothetical," Kajjex said, with a little hesitation.

"Sure?"

"Let's say that I'm not being impulsive right now - and that you _were_genuinely asking, three days ago."

"Asking...?" Preek cocked his head to one side for a few seconds, before a look of realization flickered in his features. "Oh. Oh!" He brightened with a growing smile. "Yeah, I remember. Alright, let's say that I was _genuinely_asking. What if I was?"

"Well, let's say that you had a few hours before you had to be anywhere," Kajjex continued, clasping his hands together and feeling a warmth in his cheeks.

"Let's do one better and say that I don't have_anywhere_ to be, tonight," Preek suggested, scooting a little closer to him. "Maybe even say that this is where I'd like to be, tonight."

"S-sure, we can say that, too," Kajjex agreed, feeling his heart race a little faster. "Hypothetically speaking... what would it mean for either of us?"

"I think you should answer that first, if you don't mind," Preek replied. "Tell me your thought process. I'm sure you have a good reason."

"It's just... you're right. You aren't asking for anything, not expecting anything in return, because you are my friend. A good one - my best friend, if it's not too bold of me to say and too soon to say it."

"Not at all - I'd say the same thing too."

"But as a friend, I'd want to do something_in return for you. Something that would make us _both happy - even if that means that you get your dick sucked," he admitted, blushing furiously.

"Alchemy, you're too adorable when you blush like that, kid," Preek chuckled, sliding his arm around him. "Just so we're clear you know I'm not looking for a relationship, right?"

"I remember," Kajjex said, equal parts excited and comfortable being so close to Preek. "I've no intentions to change that."

"I won't say no to genuine intimacy with a good friend, either," Preek continued, looking into his eyes. "I want to help you and build your confidence, not hurt you and break your heart. Friends-with-benefits, just like with Myrreah and Flytt."

"That sounds more than agreeable," he replied, leaning into him with a shy smile. "As long as I can show my appreciation some way. You don't get to be this nice to me and not get a blowjob out of it."

Preek chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Just a blowjob?"

"We'd have to see how long my nerves would hold out - hypothetically," he added, blushing hard and looking away. Preek put a hand on his chin and brought his gaze back to him.

"Hypothetically speaking, would a little bit of affection bolster your nerves, or weaken them?"

For a few seconds Kajjex considered the question, his answer at the tip of his tongue before Preek intercepted it in a sudden kiss. Kajjex tensed up, trembling for a moment before surrendering to the gesture and meeting it, his head dizzy from the act. There was still enough clarity in his mental processes to confirm that he was not at all regretting this, or that he didn't want this on some level. At the same time, Preek was neither aggressive nor hesitant, applying just the right amount of force for Kajjex to realize this could stop the moment he wanted it to. All he had to do was push back.

Instead, he leaned back and pulled Preek down with him.

The next minute or so was a whirlwind of clothes, tangled limbs, and lips touching bare skin, as the pair eagerly shed their attire and haphazardly tossed them across the floor. What few reservations Kajjex would have had, what excuses or fears he would have given to slow things down or make it stop entirely, ceased to exist the moment their bare bodies met. A combination of Preek's tender affections, the feel of their cocks and balls nestled against each other, and the subtle sensation of his friend's heartbeat, all made Kajjex feel more comfortable now than he'd been since they'd met. The heist to break into Torkk's office almost seemed like it had taken place years ago despite it only having been a few days.

When Preek paused and sat up it finally gave Kajjex a chance to look up at the older asura, swallowing as he took in the view. He'd seen Preek nude before, but had kept his eyes from lingering too much on his new friend's body for too long, and had not spent much of that time staring at his cock. Now that it was out and pressed against his own turgid tool, it was impossible to ignore. For the second time in his life, Kajjex found himself comparing his length against another male's, calculating Preek's throbbing prick to be roughly the same size. It seemed to match well with the rest of Preek's trained body, which he was quickly becoming attracted to. His eyes met the older asura's and he shivered, looking away with a sensation of vulnerability.

"Did you want me to stop, Kajjex?" Preek asked gently, putting his hand on his chest. "You just need to tell me."

"N-no, I don't want you to stop," he stammered, sitting up quickly. "I'm just processing everything. By the Alchemy, these last two weeks has been a list of firsts. Just... let me work at my own pace."

It was more to buy time than anything else, as he struggled to recall everything he'd learned in peer-reviewed publications concerning recreational sex among asura. Preek didn't seem to notice this, laying back on the cushion and waiting with a patient smile, his legs spread apart and his cock pointing directly up at Kajjex, twitching with each heartbeat. It didn't take long for the view to spur Kajjex into action and bring his face closer to the throbbing tool, his eyes locked on a thick bead of precum forming on the tip.

"Preek... this is okay, right? Like, am I okay to be doing this with you?" Kajjex asked, swallowing.

"I'll admit that this is not what I was looking for from you," Preek told him, "but I'm not going to turn you down. That said, this can't just be about me. Ask yourself what it is you want."

Kajjex sat back on his knees, still staring at Preek's dick and running the question through his head. What he wanted was to show Preek his appreciation, to have some way of thanking him that they would both enjoy; and for him to not disappoint the older asura, either. The lack of sexual experience as a bottom nearly paralyzed him, until he remembered Myrreah's words from over two weeks earlier.

Listen to my voice while you work, hon. You'll know when you're doing something right.

It was all he had to go on as he steadied his breathing and leaned in, placing one hand carefully around Preek's shaft while the other slid under his balls and raised one of the weighty orbs in his palm, giving it a gentle squeeze. Preek jerked slightly, breathing in sharply, but Kajjex could tell the sound was more pleasure than pain. Certain there was little he could do to hurt the older asura with a more vigorous handling, he started to pump Preek's pillar with a steady rhythm, his eyes flicking between the drooling tool and the asura's expression. The gasp and satisfied groan were more than encouraging, and after a half a minute of bolstering his nerves, he leaned in and pressed his lips against the pulsing surface of his cock.

The thrill of the act was intoxicating, tasting another male's cock on his lips and tongue as he starting to lay a sheen of saliva on his shaft. A trailing bead of precum hit his tongue and a delectable saltiness spread across his tongue, making him shiver. In seconds he was alternating between kissing the shaft and slurping it, working from the base of his cock and moving upward, looking up at Preek with hazy eyes. The older asura has his head thrown back, chest heaving as he drew in deep breaths with a look of bliss on his face. His hand touched Kajjex's hair and stroked through it, a clear sign of encouragement.

"Doin' great, Kajjex," he groaned. "Don't be afraid to be a little adventurous."

He took the words as an invite to go as far as he wanted, and it was with Flytt in mind that he pushed himself forward, grabbing Preek's cock and repositioning himself so his lips were at the very tip. He could not fathom how the small asura had managed to completely deep-throat him, let alone with complete ease and lack of discomfort, but it had to be possible. Rather than try to guess the technique, he wrapped his lips around the thick head of Preek's cock and started a slow rhythm, moving his head, tongue, and lips around his shaft. Preek shuddered and rolled his hips up with a moan, sliding more of his shaft past his lips, a bit of it sliding down his throat. He braced himself and held in place, finding it easy to suppress his gag reflex. He relaxed his shoulders and arms, closing his eyes, and letting himself lean into Preek's lap with a sigh, feeling his throat being loosened by the girth of his cock. His eyes flicked open, widening as he found himself more than halfway down the shaft, only a few inches away from the base. He gave Preek a glance, catching the older asura's impressed gaze.

"Damn, kid... you're a natural at this, aren't you." He chuckled. "Should have figured, you're both cute_and_ a stud. You probably give as good as you take."

Kajjex nearly answered before remembering his chin was nearly touching Preek's balls, pulling away carefully. "It's easier than I thought it'd be," he muttered shyly, a little proud and embarrassed that he had done so well so quickly. "I just... wanted to enjoy myself."

"That's what it should be about, kid," Preek said, pulling Kajjex up and pushing him onto the cushion, getting to his feet. "Tell me what you want from this, and I'll oblige. I'm happy to do anything, even if that means just cuddling."

"I... er, well..." Kajjex swallowed nervously, looking away - he could still taste Preek's cock on his lips, the salty tang of bare shaft and precum. "I've only ever had sex with Flytt and Myrreah, but I've never... received," he admitted. "I've always wondered what it's like, if I'll even enjoy it. Would you be willing to...?"

Preek didn't say anything, answering instead with a knowing smile before climbing on top of Kajjex, treating him to a deep kiss. With no urgency on getting a clear answer, and suspecting that this action was the answer itself, Kajjex met the kiss with restrained eagerness, shuddering and squirming beneath Preek as their thick cocks slid and slipped against each other, sandwiched between their abs. As new as he was to this, there was a clear carnal enjoyment in it, as they rolled their hips and frotted together, their heavy balls nestled together. Before long, Preek's cock wasn't the only one slick with need, as a healthy veneer of cock-grease glistened off his own shaft.

This seemed to be what Preek had been waiting for. Without warning, he leaned back and lifted Kajjex's legs up, causing him to yelp in confusion. Now folded in half, he found his cock only inches from his lips, causing him to wonder briefly if he could suck himself off, before turning his attention back to Preek. Rhe older asura leaned to the side and reaching into his discarded satchel to extract a small, unmarked bottle, uncorking it. Whatever it was, it was scentless and viscous, and seemed to warm up quickly the moment it splashed against Kajjex's exposed pucker.

"What are yo-- ooohh... that's... actually really nice," Kajjex sighed, shivering.

"First rule of anal sex, kid: lubrication isn't a suggestion, it's a necessity," Preek replied, sliding a digit into his hole. A sound erupted from Kajjex, something that he'd never in his life would have imagined had come from himself; an unabashed, erotic moan that sounded more fitting in a pornographic holorecording than it did from a young, male, combat-focused Statics graduate. It didn't stop with just one moan, as Preek curled his finger in and jabbed it gently past his sphincter, testing the tightness with firm, swirling motions. "There you go, hon. Just loosen up that cute butt, relax your back muscles and perineum. It'll make it easier."

"This-- it's-- I can't--" The sensation was so overwhelming that forming complete sentences felt nearly impossible. "Too good!" he managed to moan.

"Take a breath, kid," Preek said gently, leaning in and giving his cheek a kiss. "Don't want you passing out because you're horned up. Look, you're already close to blowing." His other hand went to Kajjex's throbbing cock, angling it around so the head was only an inch away from his lips. The mere touch of Preek's fingers around his shaft was electric, nearly enough to make him cum on the spot. "Why don't you give yourself a little taste? Nothing extreme, we're just gonna edge you a bit while I work your hole enough to take all of me."

"B-but I was... I was gonna get you off," Kajjex moaned, his fingers clinging to the cushion."

"Oh you will, don't worry - but moments like these should be mutual enjoyment, wouldn't you say?" Preek teased, still giving Kajjex's cock slow, steady strokes. The hand teasing his asshole pushed inward, just as he yanked the tool downward, stifling Kajjex's next moan with his own cock as the head pushed past his lips. Kajjex's eyes widened, unable to believe his lips were wrapped around his shaft. With what little flexibility he had left, he was able to get a few inches of his own cock into his mouth, all while Preek massaged the remaining length and stretched out his pucker.

It didn't last long. Between the anal stimulation, Preek pumping half his prick, and his lips and tongue suckling the other half, a surge of ecstasy built in his loins, his balls aching and twitching seconds before they released. A brief spurt of hot cum blasted into his mouth, making him pull back and gasp, the second ribbon of spunk splattered across his face. The salty taste of his thick seed was far from unpleasant, though he still tried to shake the cum off his face.

"Heh, don't fret," Preek said, leaning in and giving him another kiss. This time his tongue slid past his lips, trying to get what remained. At the same time he slowly helped the younger asura unfold, laying him out on the cushion, getting into position over him. The kiss broke and before Kajjex could say anything Preek had started licking his face, getting the still-warm seed off his cheeks and forehead before kissing again and sharing the sweet taste of fresh cum.

Once the taste had faded between their lips and tongue, Preek pulled away, giving him a patient smile. "If at any point this doesn't feel good, promise you'll tell me."

Too nervous and excited to speak, Kajjex could only nod. From his position, Preek's cock somehow looked bigger than before.

He offered no resistance as Preek pulled him closer to the edge of the cushion and held his legs up by his ankles, though he squirmed slightly as the thick cockhead pressed against his pucker. He took a breath, remembering Preek's advice to relax. Knowing that it was a friend breaking his anal virginity seemed to make it easier to loosen up. The fat tip of Preek's length pushed inward and spread open his tight hole, a slight pain in the virgin ring as it was breached, though not keen enough to prompt Kajjex to tell Preek to stop. The first two inches (or what felt like it) seemed to glide easily into his slick hole, aided by the lube and Preek's precum, and once the older asura had given him a moment to get accustomed to the girthy intruder, the rest seemed to ease in with little effort.

It wasn't until half of Preek's cock was buried in his body when Kajjex finally understood what it was like. As the sheer thickness of his lover's tool squeezed past what must have been his prostate, pure ecstasy that jolted through his loins and nerves. An almost feminine moan erupted from Kajjex, and though he nearly clapped his hands over his mouth to stifle it, he knew there was no point - it felt incredible. For him to make such a beautiful sound in response to the absolute pleasure he was feeling seemed almost normal. Before he knew it, Preek was buried to the hilt, his balls resting firmly against his ass. The moment he released Kajjex's ankles, his thighs squeezed around his hips.

"D-do it," he managed to moan.

Half of Preek's length withdrew from his hole, still slick and warm from the lube, and Kajjex felt a slight hollowness in himself; that void was filled the moment Preek thrust back in, his hips clapping Kajjex ass with a jolt that made him gasp. It was that same energy that Preek used in his sexual rhythm, putting his hands on Kajjex's shoulders and beginning a well-paced rut. On his back, and with no means to contribute, he could only grab Preek's arms and hold on, enduring the vigorous fucking as it rocked every nerve in his body. Before long Kajjex was focusing on the sensations, committing the moment to memory - every powerful thrust, every throb of his cock as it bounced between their abs, every slap of Preek's thighs against his well-toned and yet pleasantly-shaped ass.

"Doing alright?" Preek asked, his breathing heavy.

"I-I'm... doing great," Kajjex replied, his face burning as he smiled up at him. "Didn't think... it was this good."

"So... you love cock?" Preek teased, slowing down. "You like getting fucked?"

"P-Preek, don't... please don't," he moaned.

"I'm not trying to be mean or mocking," he told him, kissing his cheek. "I want you to be honest with yourself - comfortable with who you are."

"But... you already know--"

"I do," Preek groaned, touching his face and looking into his eyes. "That's not the point. I want you to love yourself, and that means accepting who you are, what you like. You know I'd never judge you for it."

"I..."

"Its just us," Preek whispered. "Say what you feel."

"I... love sex," Kajjex moaned, blushing hard and shivering. "I love being fucked, and fucking - giving cock and taking it."

"Then hold on a sec for me."

Kajjex nearly asked what he was going to do only to be stopped short when Preek pulled out completely with a slick 'pop' and grabbed his shoulders, rolling him onto his belly. Without needing to be told a word Kajjex understood what he wants, shifting to his knees and spreading them apart almost instinctively, his nerves on edge as he looked back just in time to see Preek mount him. Another moan poured from his chest as Preek slid his entire length back into his ass. Though content to simply take it, the older asura seemed to have other ideas, grabbing his shoulders and forcing him upright onto his knees, his ass sliding back perfectly into Preek's lap.

"Work with me, Kajjex," Preek murmured into his right ear. "Your body knows what to do, you just need to let go and help us get there." Kajjex jerked and shuddered as Preek grabbed his throbbing mast. "I'll be helping you too."

"P-Preek, I--"

But before he could say another word Preek had leaned in grazed his sharp teeth against Kajjex's ear and gave it a gentle nibble. The stimulation was too much for him to handle, his back arching and a premature shot of cum blasting from his achingly-hard cock. It was an unavoidable mistake, as the shift in position caused Preek's prick to grind hard against his prostate, making him cry out in pure ecstasy. "F-fuck! Preek, please fuck me!"

Without a response the older asura moved in concert with him, rutting up into Kajjex's stretched hole and massaging his cock, their movements in a nearly perfect, synchronized pace. An ache Kajjex was familiar with crept into his balls, the need for sweet release so close and alluring; but he did not want it to end too soon, not when Preek wasn't ready. He clenched down around his lover's cock, pushed back hard into his lap, and was rewarded with a sudden gasp and groan.

"Alchemy, you're loving this, yeah?" Preek panted. "How should we finish this?"

"I'm so close," Kajjex gasped. "I want you to cum in me."

"Good... because I'm getting close," he groaned, putting his hand on Kajjex's hip. "Final stretch ahead, hold on for me."

Kajjex braced for it, clenching hard around Preek's girth and putting as much energy into matching the rhythm and strength of their lovemaking as his waning stamina would allow. Martial training and poledance practice were nowhere near as exhausting as sex was, even as a bottom, but Kajjex wasn't about to deny it was just as enjoyable. He leaned back against Preek, riding his cock and gasping each time his prostate was grazed against, sapping away what little endurance he had left. The ache in his balls had reached a level of delicious pain that promised ecstasy beyond his experience if he would just hold on a only a few seconds longer.

His patience and stamina were rewarded when Preek went rigid and groaned, arching his back and thrusting up into the younger asura with a cry of bliss. Seconds later Kajjex felt it, a flooding warmth that burned around his prostate in the best way possible, a final, ecstasy-laced shiver running up his spine as his balls twitched and channeled thick ropes of spunk from his cock, heralded by his moaning. The deluge of cum shot straight into the air and arced backwards as he leaned against Preek, the ropes splattering across his chest and face until the flow ceased, leaving him a cum-glazed mess.

He was only distantly aware of himself falling over, or perhaps being helped onto his side by Preek - he couldn't tell which. All he knew was that when the wave of exhaustion passed, he was lying on the cushion with Preek laying next to him, cuddling him from behind.

"You... good?" Preek panted. Even without seeing his face, the smile was evident in his tone.

"That... was awesome," Kajjex replied. "Thank you."

"Needed to make... your first time bottoming... something a bit memorable," Preek chuckled, leaning over and kissing his cheek."

"You did, believe me." Kajjex sighed, enjoying the post-coitus afterglow.

"Sooo..." Preek leaned in, giving his ear a lick and making him shiver. He could still feel his cock buried in his ass, the subtle feeling of a pool of cum in his belly. "Do you wanna say it again?"

"Hmm... I love sex," Kajjex murmured, feeling no shame or shyness in it. "Part of me wishes I'd done more of it sooner; but a smarter part of me knows it's better it turned out this way, with you and everyone else."

"In that case, I think we can call you and I nearly even," Preek said, giving him a squeeze.

"Oh? Just after one time?" Kajjex said with a laugh, looking back at him.

Preek blinked, then grinned. "Well... if you're up to it..."

It was some hours before they had exhausted themselves to the point of retiring to Kajjex's bed, the pair quickly dozing off. After a day of elation from joining a new krewe, the stress of VAL-A's destruction, and several hours of fucking with his best friend, sleep and dreaming came much more easily than it had before. It helped that the bed was nice and warm, the sensation of fellow body heat making it much more comfortable.

Before he awoke, the warmth diminished slightly, and Kajjex could no longer feel the older asura's body next to his. Perhaps another half-hour of sleep continued before he finally woke, his vision blurry as he sat up in bed. He glanced around for Preek, but he was nowhere to be seen, and while Kajjex wasn't upset by his absence he was curious as to where he'd gone. He'd only swung his legs over the side of the bed when he got his answer in the form of a knock on the door.

"Party of three, can we enter?"

His ears perked up at the sound of Preek's voice and he quickly donned a pair of trousers. "Come in!"

The door opened and in stepped Preek, Flytt and Myrreah, the older asura possessing a clear bounce in his step as he entered, satchel at his side. "Good morning, kid! Slept well?"

"Like a skritt pup in a pile of shinies," Kajjex yawned, stretching out. "Hey Flytt, Myrreah. Wasn't expecting you guys this morning."

"We wanted to see how you're settling into your new place," Flytt said. "Preek also mentioned that your golem was vandalized, and we wanted to see if we could help."

"That's sweet, you guys," Kajjex said, touched by their concern. He gestured them to the cushions. "The frame was a disaster, but the core and crystal were salvaged. If I can put him into standard golem frame and then build on my earlier design, he should be good to go."

"Let us know how we can help and we'll do what we can - in return for some of your time helping our krewe, when you can," Myrreah offered.

"Deal, I'll let you know when I've had time to sit down and consider my options." He looked to Preek. "So, what's the real reason you came here?"

"Me? Having an ulterior motive?" Preek said with a look of faux shock. "You wound me, my friend!"

"You would have waited for me at the club if it was just that. Also, you brought your satchel with you," he pointed out.

"I suppose I am guilty," Preek said, pulling out a small, gray box. "First, I wanted to apologize for leaving you before you woke. I tried to smooch you awake, but you were sleeping like a rock elemental."

"Er... that's okay," Kajjex muttered, blushing and looking away, trying not to look too pleased. "I figured that was the case."

"We wanted to drop by before you stopped at the club for this morning's practice session," Myrreah said. "I hope that's okay."

"Not a problem, my first day at Telumarx isn't until tomorrow," Kajjex told him, following him to the cushions and table. "Though now you have me curious as to why."

Flytt and Myrreah looked to each other and nodded in silent agreement. "Well," Flytt said, "we think that you're ready to take the next step - practicing in the buff."

A slight feeling of anxiety and eagerness overtook Kajjex, causing him to sit up a little straighter. Neither of them seemed the type to deceive him or needlessly get his hopes up, but even with his recent successes still had his own doubts. "Really? I don't know if I'll have what it takes to do what you guys do, but if you guys think I'm ready for it, I'll give it a shot."

Flytt shook his head, giving him a patient smile. "I know you don't hear it often, but the fact is that you're physically attractive for an asura. You have the kind of body that would allow you to do what we do. Hell, these last few days you _have_been doing what we do. Are you really still reluctant?"

"I've been doing it clothed," Kajjex reminded him. "Getting on a stage in front of people, wearing nothing? That just seems daunting."

"You'd be doing it in front of us first. Believe me, it goes away once you realize that nobody in the audience is there to judge you," Myrreah said. "You just need to shatter your own illusions."

"My own illusion?" Kajjex repeated, confused.

"The illusion in your head that makes you think if you get on stage and dance, it'll look goofy or stupid," Flytt said. "The reality is that it only ever looks that way if you're not serious about it, because then it'll show on your face and in your body language. But if you actually love to do it, then the audience will feel that, too. They'll appreciate your flair, your body, your teasing, if you really get into it for the purpose of having fun."

"And we know you found it fun," Preek added. "We saw that in you, during the first day of practice. That smile alone told me that this is something you can do very well, if you really want to. You did enjoy it, right?"

Kajjex nodded, smiling to himself. "I did, yeah. It was as much fun as I normally have when I'm practicing combat. I know it's weird, but--"

"It's not weird at all," Flytt said. "It sounds like there's a lot to learn and appreciate in learning how to wield a weapon. I know next to nothing about combat, but I know that there are still techniques and cadences to perform if you want to do it well. It must feel great when you perform a technique with perfect execution. It's the same mindset when _you're_on stage."

"Flytt's right," Myrreah said, nodding. "In the end, it doesn't matter if they like it or not. Just as long as you're doing what you love to do. That is how you break the mental illusion - by doing it for yourself."

Kajjex said nothing, absorbing their perspective and trying to see it the way they were describing it. They made it seem so easy, to walk around in the buff, to perform on stage with hundreds of eyes watching, to focus more on loving themselves seeking validation. He couldn't remember a time where he ever felt even remotely bold - at first.

Then he remembered the visitors from Ivalice; the human swordsman and the bangaa brothers, threatening him, another asura, and a moogle. He didn't have a weapon to start with, had tried standing up to them completely unarmed; and by the end of it he had bested a human swordsman in combat and stood up to a bangaa spear-wielder. He recalled Lenkk, back in Oola's undercity lab crying out for help as a Risen corpse attacked; and with nothing but a shovel he had dispatched the ghoul where three golems had failed. Neither of these incidents were normal to him, yet where logic would have dictated he run and take cover, he had stepped in and swung back instead. It was natural to be afraid in those situations.

So what am I afraid of here?

Preek spoke, breaking his thoughts. "I brought you something that might help you out. A little gift to welcome you properly to the club."

He dug into his satchel and drew a small, gray box, setting it on the table before sliding the top of it off. Inside were three bottles, a mirror, a pair of scissors, and a comb. One bottle showed the image of several locks of hair; the second, bore a humanoid Vitruvian figure on its label, its arms and legs spread out; and the third had a series of different faces on each side, etched into the bottle. The mirror pulsed and glowed slightly, clearly magical in nature.

Kajjex arched an eyebrow. He'd never seen one of these packages before, but had heard enough to identify it. "Is that... a total makeover kit?"

"Yep! Most of us have used these at least once already," Flytt said. "It's a blend of asura and human magic, you can change your appearance to anything you want. You can even change your biological sex completely!"

"I just thought that was an advertising rumor," Kajjex said, leaning in and peering at it closely. "Aren't they supposed to be expensive?"

"Not when you buy in bulk, and less when you know where and when to buy," Preek replied. "My predecessor bought a couple hundred of them in bulk with the idea to have a uniform look for all employees, but it never caught on. We've been using them for employees who want to shake things up a little, but the rest of these have been collecting dust for a few years. It'd be a waste of money _not_to use them, at this point. So as a way to help you out and give you a little confidence booster, we'll let you use this one!"

Kajjex perked up, surprised. "Wait, really? You want me to use this?"

"We want you to be happy with yourself," Preek corrected him. "It's clear that you haven't had the chance to really express who you are, or who you want to be - someone like Torkk would hate that. This is a chance to change that, if you want. It can be as little as a minor hairstyle and a nose tweak, or as vast as a complete change in your physical sex, if you really wanted it."

He looked to Preek, his ears drooping slightly. It was so much generosity in so little time. "Is this really okay? I'm sorry, I know I keep asking. But you have to see it from my perspective - things like this don't just happen to random people for no reason. I'm not used to this."

"As far as we're concerned, it's happening for a _good_reason," Preek replied, giving him a warm smile. "And Flytt is right, it'll go to waste if it isn't used. It'll help disguise you, and a new look might boost your confidence by a bit."

Kajjex stared at the package, his eyes lingering on the mirror, and found his reflection staring back. In the last three days his life had taken a turn for the wild, a veritable storm of misfortune, kindness, treachery and generosity. The changes were both terrifying and exhilarating, a fear that he wanted to face instead of cower away from. It was taking all his energy just to keep up, to defend his life or his life's work, yet despite the dire situation he could not say that he wasn't thankful for the moments of relief he was receiving. Even if it meant that those changes were permanent, even if it meant those changes were out of his hands, he was starting to feel that he wouldn't have it any other way. He picked up the mirror, his reflection staring back at him, ready to change in subtle or vast ways if he wished for it.

Just one more change. And at least this choice was in his hands.

He stood up abruptly, going back to his bed. The trio watched him, curious. "Kajjex? You okay?" Preek asked.

"I'm fine," he assured them, reached the bedside table and picking up the framed painting Preek had given him, staring at it for several moments.

Maybe she was related to him, or perhaps the uncanny resemblance was merely a coincidence, but it would not explain why a painting of someone who looked so much like him was in Torkk's desk to begin with. Even if he would never learn a thing about her, Kajjex still considered her beautiful. He smiled, and his reflection in the glass smiled with him - for a moment the reflection and the paiting seemed to meld into one, making him look almost completely identical to her. It was enough for him to make his decision.

He brought the painting back. "Myrreah, can you mix all the tonics?"

"Sure thing, hon," she said, as she and Flitt pulled the bottles out and uncorked them. "Going for a full change? I can help with the hairstyle if you need it."

"Nah, I like my hair," he said, undoing his trousers.

Preek arched an eyebrow. "Uh... you know you don't _need_to strip down for this, right?"

Kajjex paused and nodded, pushing ahead with a hot blush burning his cheeks. "Yeah, I know. But the mirror shows you with your clothes on, and some features I want will require a thorough look. Besides," he added, kicking his pants off and leaving himself completely nude, "I should get used to showing myself off like this if I plan to perform, right?" He steadied his nerves with a deep breath, then picked the mirror back up while holding the painting up next to it.

"Oh, I see where you're going with this," Preek muttered. "Can't say that I blame you, honestly."

He put his focus on the mirror, trying to picture the look in his mind while staring into it. His reflection seemed to pull out, displaying his full body rather than just his face. There was nothing about his cock and balls he would change, nor his hairstyle; but as he poured more focus into the mirror the reflection's raven hair changed, with locks of gold highlights interwoven with the black. His brown skin shifted and black streaks appeared along his arms, back, and legs, with a final, arrow-like marking on his chest.

He checked the reflection a few times, more than a little pleased by the choices. A sudden thought occurred to him as his eyes lingered on his half-flaccid prick. "Myrreah? These kits provide hair accessories, right?"

"They do, it's part of the magic in that mirror."

He hesitated. "What about piercings?"

"Sure, the kits can do ear piercings pretty easily," she said, lifting one of her ears up and showing off a silver stud with a tiny purple stone. "That's how I got mine, without the pain of an actual piercing."

The blush on Kajjex's face deepened, and his cock started to throb in mild arousal, his shaft getting harder. "That's... not the kind of piercings I was talking about."

Three pairs of eyes caught the twitch in his prick, and all three pairs widened in realization. "I've gotta admit, you have some good tastes," Preek chuckled, looking back up at him. "Go for it. This is all about what you want right now."

Kajjex's hand trembled as he peered at his now-erect cock, exhilarated by what he was thinking of doing. A shimmer of silver glinted along the shaft, as four rod frenum piercings lined the underside of his shaft; another pair of glints drew his eyes to the chest, where his nipples were adorned with similar piercings. He stared at the image of his changed self for several minutes, awed by how different he looked - but not so much that he couldn't recognize himself. A desperate longing to be the asura in the looking glass started to overwhelm him, until he realized he was on the threshold of change already. All he had to do was accept it.

"If you're ready, then here's the elixir," Myrreah told him, handing him the bottle she'd mixed the concoction in. "Just say that it's what you want, then quaff all of that down."

He nodded, still staring into the mirror. "This is who I want to be." Certain that the changes were what he wanted, he brought the bottle to his lips and drank.

The change came in the space of a second, though if there was a flash of magical light in that moment then Kajjex didn't notice it. What he felt more than anything was a warmth in his skin and a shiver in his spine as the kit's energy washed over him. The taste of cream and lemon lingered on his lips and tongue, which struck him as curious since the elixir itself was as tasteless as water. That oddity was forgotten in moments as he noticed the black streaks along his arms, the arrowhead making on his chest. A smile broke across his face as he checked his half-flaccid shaft, now studded with four frenum piercings. Everything had worked.

He held his arms out to the trio. "So... how do I look?"

"Perfect ten," Flytt said quickly.

"Cute and sexy," Myrreah followed up.

"I wish I'd given you the kit last night!" Preek chuckled. "You look amazing, Kajjex. They're going to love you, I guarantee it."

"Heh... well before that, we need to make sure I'm actually ready to perform on the stage, right?" Kajjex suggested. "But thank you - all of you. I'll put in the best effort I can."

"On that note, lets get your pants back on so we can get to practice!" Myrreah said, jumping to her feet and hurrying to the door. "C'mon, shake a leg!"

Kajjex chuckled and shook his head, getting his trousers back on and grabbing a shirt. Before he followed the three out the door he took one last look in the mirror, gazing at his new reflection. A feeling of satisfaction settled in his chest, and for what seemed like the first time in his life, he felt as confident as he looked.

Eventually he set the mirror down and followed the trio out, ready to face a new day.